Argentina 3–0 Algeria
Lionel Messi’s hat-trick settled this World Cup 2026 hub Group J encounter emphatically, as Argentina swept aside Algeria with a commanding 3–0 victory on 16 June 2026.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, giving Argentina an early advantage they never looked like surrendering. Algeria offered little in response as the South American champions controlled the contest, and Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The hat-trick was completed in the 76th minute, Messi rounding off a dominant individual and collective display to seal a comprehensive three-goal winning margin.
Group J Standings
The result leaves Argentina firmly in command at the top of Group J. According to the live World Cup 2026 standings, Argentina sit on three points from one game played, while Algeria remain on zero points after their opening defeat. Austria and Jordan are both yet to play their first matches and sit on zero points from no games played.